Cork Airport Begins €200 Million Terminal Transformation with New Mezzanine Floor Construction

Cork Airport has commenced the most significant phase of capital investment in almost 25 years, with Cork-based contractor PJ Hegarty awarded the contract to build a new mezzanine floor as the first step in a comprehensive €200 million development programme.

The new mezzanine floor will extend over the existing arrivals concourse and house an expanded security screening area equipped with state-of-the-art C3 technology, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their cabin baggage. The development also includes a larger executive lounge with 30 per cent more capacity and an expanded duty-free shop.

Construction work is expected to begin this month following a competitive tender process. The project represents the opening phase of daa Group's ambitious capital programme announced by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in May 2025.

The upgrade comes as Cork Airport continues its remarkable growth trajectory, serving over 3.4 million passengers this year and having expanded its passenger base by more than 50 per cent over the past decade. The airport was recognised as "Best Regional Airport in Europe" by Airports Council International this year, competing against 440 regional airports across the continent.

Kenny Jacobs, daa CEO, said:

"Today marks a major milestone as we start the first project of our €200 million Cork Airport Capital Development Programme. With PJ Hegarty on board, I'm confident we'll deliver it on-time, on budget and to the highest standards."

The new mezzanine floor will feature advanced C3 EDS security technology, enabling passengers to leave liquids, gels, pastes and large electronic items in their cabin baggage during screening. A dedicated fast-track lane will also be added to improve passenger flow during peak periods.

The reconfigured arrivals area will include new anti-passback doors, brighter layout, enhanced café and bar facilities, and upgraded car hire services. These improvements are designed to enhance the passenger experience whilst improving operational efficiency for the coming decade.

Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport Managing Director, commented:

"We are delighted to be working with PJ Hegarty, a respected Irish construction company on this important first step in our terminal development. As with our runway reconstruction in 2021, we will deliver this on-time and within budget while keeping disruption to a minimum."

The selection of PJ Hegarty adds particular significance to the project, as the Cork-founded company celebrates its centenary in 2025. The contractor has grown from its 1925 origins to become one of Ireland's leading construction firms, with annual turnover exceeding €500 million and over 450 directly employed staff.

Maurice Killeen, PJ Hegarty Southern Region Operations Director, noted:

"2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of our founding in Cork and it is very appropriate that we continue to form new partnerships in the region with a client as progressive and ambitious as Cork Airport in our Centenary year."

The broader €200 million investment programme includes plans for new airbridges, long-term car park extension, additional boarding gates, a new pier with aircraft parking stands, and a 1.7MW solar farm over the existing Holiday Blue car park. Further project phases will be announced over the next eight weeks as Cork Airport mobilises its complete capital programme.

The development supports Cork Airport's goal of accommodating beyond five million passengers annually in the coming years, reinforcing its position as the best-connected international airport serving the south of Ireland.